Newbie 944 Info
Discussion
Ive just parted with my 944 2.7 after 4 blissful years, and cant recommend highly enough. Brilliant cars, no quicker than the 2.5 to 60 and no faster overall, but the killer, as stated is the TORQUE - 3000rpm in 3rd and the roar and pull of the engine will really float your boat. I fundamentally disagree with the statement that the 2.7 is more expensive to run - rubbish, IMHO. Its no different to the 2.5 except for bigger cylinder bore - parts are NOT expensive (comparatively) and are plentiful. In fact if cash is a concern I would steer you to an 8V version such as the 2.7 any day, especially over the 944S 16V or even the S2. The 16V versions have much higher rates of engine wear and youre far more likely to face a big bill from an older S2 than a 2.7. As always, buy on condition and for the most part ignore miles. Looked after well, they go on for ever and ever, neglected and they go phut at 60k when the timing chain snaps
Without wishing to start an arguement my comment was merely based on my experiences, cost is of course relative. I think it only fair to be realistic about the cost of maintaining what was a fairly specialist car as it gets older, particularly when it is to be used regularly not just for sunday runs.
Unfortunately the engine on a 2.7 is not just a larger bore. The bore is larger but the Head, Block, Water pump,ECU etc are also completely different, you wouldn't expect Porsche to do half a job!
If you want to run a 944 on a budget the engine and clutch parts are more expensive for a 2.7.
ie inlet valve all models including turbo £12 - £15, 2.7 £70, Head gasket 50% more, Piston rings ditto, Temp sender 2.5 £8.50, 2.7 £32.00. Clutch kit £100 more. Been there done all that to my cost.
If you are lucky and just get away with servicing then they are the same prices, but with the cars getting older the chances of needing more serious work increase. It is all relative to what you call expensive and how "right" you want your car. I know had I had the choice when I bought mine I would have gone for a late 2.5, but then hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Which ever you go for they are great fun and go on for ever, just don't expect it to for the cost of running a metro.
Unfortunately the engine on a 2.7 is not just a larger bore. The bore is larger but the Head, Block, Water pump,ECU etc are also completely different, you wouldn't expect Porsche to do half a job!
If you want to run a 944 on a budget the engine and clutch parts are more expensive for a 2.7.
ie inlet valve all models including turbo £12 - £15, 2.7 £70, Head gasket 50% more, Piston rings ditto, Temp sender 2.5 £8.50, 2.7 £32.00. Clutch kit £100 more. Been there done all that to my cost.
If you are lucky and just get away with servicing then they are the same prices, but with the cars getting older the chances of needing more serious work increase. It is all relative to what you call expensive and how "right" you want your car. I know had I had the choice when I bought mine I would have gone for a late 2.5, but then hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Which ever you go for they are great fun and go on for ever, just don't expect it to for the cost of running a metro.
yes, of course you are right, 2.7 engine block and clutch parts are somewhat more expensive, the rest of the car isnt though. My drift however is that 50% more than not much (or even 100%) is still not much. The main costs are in labour and if you are really in a flap over whether a set of clutch plates costs £200 or £275 then you should definitely not buy a porsche.
I do wonder if this thread lost the point in the middle section - that 944s are stupendous fun and massively repay the investment both in pride of ownership and sheer performance. I'd suggest a little less worrying and hand wringing about the price of a clutch on a car civicJim hasnt even bought yet. Lets not kid ourselves - a 944 is never a cheap car to run. Even if your lucky and only shell out on servicing and insurance, it aint cheap. But it IS cheap to buy and depreciation is minimal. Buy a new Mazda RX-8 for 22K (as a modern equivalent 2+2) and you still wont get the performance and handling of a 944 (switch off the mazda's traction control and go round any corner, go on, I dare you). Then trade in your mazda after a year and find youve lost 4K. Now THATs and expensive car to run.
In overall terms the 944 is an automotive steal. But if a few hundred quid here and there really makes the difference to civicJim's decision, then perhaps after all he should not buy a 944. Personally I'd keep £750 in a quiet,safe place for emergencies and get on with enjoying what is in essence a fabulous car
>> Edited by softinthehead on Thursday 9th December 10:02
>> Edited by softinthehead on Thursday 9th December 10:08
I do wonder if this thread lost the point in the middle section - that 944s are stupendous fun and massively repay the investment both in pride of ownership and sheer performance. I'd suggest a little less worrying and hand wringing about the price of a clutch on a car civicJim hasnt even bought yet. Lets not kid ourselves - a 944 is never a cheap car to run. Even if your lucky and only shell out on servicing and insurance, it aint cheap. But it IS cheap to buy and depreciation is minimal. Buy a new Mazda RX-8 for 22K (as a modern equivalent 2+2) and you still wont get the performance and handling of a 944 (switch off the mazda's traction control and go round any corner, go on, I dare you). Then trade in your mazda after a year and find youve lost 4K. Now THATs and expensive car to run.
In overall terms the 944 is an automotive steal. But if a few hundred quid here and there really makes the difference to civicJim's decision, then perhaps after all he should not buy a 944. Personally I'd keep £750 in a quiet,safe place for emergencies and get on with enjoying what is in essence a fabulous car
>> Edited by softinthehead on Thursday 9th December 10:02
>> Edited by softinthehead on Thursday 9th December 10:08
I think in fairness all the replys are saying the same thing.
They (944s) are a performance bargin and recommended to anyone. Even Clarkson failed to really hurt one.
So, Civic jim, do it with your eyes open, be realistic about the running costs and you can't go wrong. You will not regret it.
They (944s) are a performance bargin and recommended to anyone. Even Clarkson failed to really hurt one.
So, Civic jim, do it with your eyes open, be realistic about the running costs and you can't go wrong. You will not regret it.
cheers for all your replies guys they have really been a lot of help for me,
at the moment i am clocking up a lot ofmiles in my civic, i have done 12k since february, and the car is always kept outside, the thing which initially drew me to the 944 was the pricetag and the styling, the insurance and parts are what i think will kill me a fair bit. i cant afford to keep 750 quid back "just incase" i am struggling for insurance too, all the companies wont touch me which is REALLY annoying as i cant even get a rough guess on the total cost of getting one.
well i have been looking through the autotrader and have been thinking of the older shape 530 BMW and the nissan QX as i have always had a softspot for the QX but i am keeping my options open.
thanks for all your help with everything guys you have been a huge help!
cheers
Jim
at the moment i am clocking up a lot ofmiles in my civic, i have done 12k since february, and the car is always kept outside, the thing which initially drew me to the 944 was the pricetag and the styling, the insurance and parts are what i think will kill me a fair bit. i cant afford to keep 750 quid back "just incase" i am struggling for insurance too, all the companies wont touch me which is REALLY annoying as i cant even get a rough guess on the total cost of getting one.
well i have been looking through the autotrader and have been thinking of the older shape 530 BMW and the nissan QX as i have always had a softspot for the QX but i am keeping my options open.
thanks for all your help with everything guys you have been a huge help!
cheers
Jim
Civic Jim said:
well i have been looking through the autotrader and have been thinking of the older shape 530 BMW and the nissan QX as i have always had a softspot for the QX but i am keeping my options open.
Jim
A BMW 530/ Nissan QX ??????????????????????????????????
I thought you wanted a small sports car not an old exec-u-bardge......................
it doesnt HAVE to be sporty,
its just that i thought the porsche would be a comfy ride like the BMW etc but a bit more speical.
i dont like the 3 series E36 beamers im afraid
i like to drive something a bit difference hence the EF civic, charade GTti's as previous cars, i dont like to blend in with the norm.
>> Edited by Civic Jim on Thursday 9th December 11:47
its just that i thought the porsche would be a comfy ride like the BMW etc but a bit more speical.
i dont like the 3 series E36 beamers im afraid
i like to drive something a bit difference hence the EF civic, charade GTti's as previous cars, i dont like to blend in with the norm.
>> Edited by Civic Jim on Thursday 9th December 11:47
My advice would not be to pin your hopes on a 2.7 but to look for the best condition car you can find at your budget of £3k. The 2.7 was only made in 1989 so there are not many around compared with the 2.5.
Performance is almost identical, with the 2.7 having a few more BHP than the 2.5 at 167, weight is the mid 1200kgs. I have read the 2.7 has more torque in the midrange so is a bit more relaxed to drive (but I've never been in one).
Cruising will yield circa 30 mpg, Spirited or town use will see that drop below
Performance is almost identical, with the 2.7 having a few more BHP than the 2.5 at 167, weight is the mid 1200kgs. I have read the 2.7 has more torque in the midrange so is a bit more relaxed to drive (but I've never been in one).
Cruising will yield circa 30 mpg, Spirited or town use will see that drop below
Civic Jim said:
it doesnt HAVE to be sporty,
its just that i thought the porsche would be a comfy ride like the BMW etc but a bit more speical.
>> Edited by Civic Jim on Thursday 9th December 11:47
Errr...I can think of at least a dozen reasons for buying a 944. I wouldnt have put comfy on the list. in fact its rather spartan in a solid teutonic sort of way. there are no frills, just what you need for a great driving experience. But a wafting uber-barge it isnt. And if youre after a porsche the one thing it absolutely has to be is sporty. I think you should look elsewhere.
The 924s and early 944 are also lighter than the later variants,contemporary road tests(Autocar,Performance car etc) rate them about about 1 to 1.5 secs quicker for 3/4/5/th in gear (midrange) acceleration times. Low to mid 7 secs for the earlier cars,about 8secs from mid 1985 onwards.
I got an excellent 85 944 for £3000,full history that goes right back to the order form and every August since from opc Dick Lovett, Swindon till 2001. I bought it in Slough in late'01 after months of looking all over the UK for 924s/turbo early 944 and saw lots of rough ones,be patient and the right one will turn up!
Cheers
I got an excellent 85 944 for £3000,full history that goes right back to the order form and every August since from opc Dick Lovett, Swindon till 2001. I bought it in Slough in late'01 after months of looking all over the UK for 924s/turbo early 944 and saw lots of rough ones,be patient and the right one will turn up!
Cheers
The 924s and early 944 are also lighter than the later variants,contemporary road tests(Autocar,Performance car etc) rate them about about 1 to 1.5 secs quicker for 3/4/5/th in gear (midrange) acceleration times. Low to mid 7 secs for the earlier cars,about 8secs from mid 1985 onwards.
I got an excellent 85 944 for £3000,full history that goes right back to the order form and every August since from opc Dick Lovett, Swindon till 2001. I bought it in Slough in late'01 after months of looking all over the UK for 924s/turbo early 944 and saw lots of rough ones,be patient and the right one will turn up!
Cheers
I got an excellent 85 944 for £3000,full history that goes right back to the order form and every August since from opc Dick Lovett, Swindon till 2001. I bought it in Slough in late'01 after months of looking all over the UK for 924s/turbo early 944 and saw lots of rough ones,be patient and the right one will turn up!
Cheers
softinthehead said:
Ive just parted with my 944 2.7 after 4 blissful years, and cant recommend highly enough. Brilliant cars, no quicker than the 2.5 to 60 and no faster overall, but the killer, as stated is the TORQUE - 3000rpm in 3rd and the roar and pull of the engine will really float your boat. I fundamentally disagree with the statement that the 2.7 is more expensive to run - rubbish, IMHO. Its no different to the 2.5 except for bigger cylinder bore - parts are NOT expensive (comparatively) and are plentiful. In fact if cash is a concern I would steer you to an 8V version such as the 2.7 any day, especially over the 944S 16V or even the S2. The 16V versions have much higher rates of engine wear and youre far more likely to face a big bill from an older S2 than a 2.7. As always, buy on condition and for the most part ignore miles. Looked after well, they go on for ever and ever, neglected and they go phut at 60k when the timing chain snaps
My first Porsche was 2.7 944, 7 years ago, BEWARE you'll be hooked. I've since had a 944 turbo and graduated to several 911's. Try and get one with the rear chin spoiler a la turbo and S2 it tidies it up a bit. I put 35000 miles on mine commuting to London from Warwick and it never missed a beat. ENJOY
>> Edited by FUGatso on Thursday 16th December 18:22
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